Karnataka files interim plea to SC on Cauvery water release to TN

On 9th December, the Supreme Court had upheld its constitutional power to hear appeals filed by Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Kerala against the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal final award in 2007

The Karnataka government on Wednesday filed an interlocutory appeal before the Supreme Court expressing its inability to release 2,000 cusecs of Cauvery water a day to Tamil Nadu.

Apart from Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Puducherry governments have also filed appeals seeking clarification on the verdict by the Cauvery Tribunal in 2007.

Appeals are being considered by an SC bench of Justice Dipak Misra, Justice Amitava Roy and Justice AM Khanwilkar.

On 9th December, the Supreme Court had upheld its constitutional power to hear appeals filed by Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Kerala against the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal final award in 2007. It refused the Centre's stand that it had no jurisdiction to hear the dispute.

In its plea, Karnataka said the water level in four Cauvery basin reservoirs in Karnataka measures 15.92 tmc. An SC-appointed panel had reported that Karnataka would need 17.2 tmc water from December 2016 to May 2017.

Water is likely to be reduced to 10.90 tmc, as 5 tmc of water will be lost as vapour. This will cause heavy shortage of water for Karnataka people. The Karnataka government has urged the SC to take a pertinent decision.

Meanwhile, appeals by Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Puducherry will be considered by the bench on Thursday.